Transport Canada cancels Island Express Air’s AOC

Transport Canada has suspended the air operator certificate (AOC) of Island Express Air after a small plane operated by the airline skidded off the runway during a snowstorm in Abbotsford Airport, British Columbia (BC).

The King Air B100 aircraft was loaded with ten passengers, including two crew members, at the time of the incident, which occurred last month and injured two people.

The incident is currently being investigated by Transport Canada.

Announcing the suspension of the AOC, Transport Canada said in a statement: “The suspension prohibits the company from providing commercial air services.

“The suspension prohibits the company from providing commercial air services.”

“The department took this action in the interest of public safety due to the airline’s 23 February 2018 accident in Abbotsford, BC, and its contraventions of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

“In light of these threats to public safety, Transport Canada will not allow Island Express Air to resume its commercial air service until it proves it can keep its operations consistently compliant with aviation safety regulations.”

Transport Canada has so far not revealed any explanation regarding the accident and its cause.

However, Island Express Air has noted that the incident was a ‘precautionary landing’ and has voluntarily suspended all its operations after the incident to immediate effect.